Rochelle

David F. Kessen, 91, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2015 with his wife at his side in Franklin Grove, IL. David was born August 2, 1924 in Taylorville, IL to John H. and Mary E. (Tingle) Kessen. He was a Merchant Marine during World War II. David married Caroline E. Schabacker on November 26, 1955 in Oregon, IL. They moved to Arizona in 1970 with the construction business. In 1995, he started farming in Minnesota. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Thomas and James; three sisters-in-law: Marion, Linda and Helen; brother-in-law, Alvin Olson; son-in-law, Randy Rowley; step grandson, Jeffery Suddeth and step granddaughter, Wendy Martin.

David is survived by his wife of 59 years, Caroline, two sons: Gary Clark of Chana, IL and Stewart (Stephanie) Kessen of Globe, AZ; four daughters: Joanna (William) Newman of Globe, AZ, Lois Rowley of Rochelle, Gayla (Thomas) Clubb of Monroe Center, IL and Sarah (Robert) Tarlton of Phoenix, AZ; 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and brothers and sisters, Louise Olson of Malta, Mary Ellen (William) Finnan of Sycamore, Eugene and Robert Kessen of Rochelle, and Richard (Joanne) Kessen of Phoenix, AZ.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at St. Patrick Cemetery in Rochelle. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the on line guest book.